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Today I was with my girlfriend driving, and we saw a huge shelf mushroom.

I was like OMG, PULL OVER TIME GRAB THAT!

Anyways, description:

Yellow flesh, broke it in half, pretty much yellow all the way through, pale in the middle brighter underneath. Turning orange, to darkish orange on the top. Where the water had pooled on the top, it was dark dark orange, almost like a pumpkin.

Taking a spore print now, will get back to you with it.

It was found growing off of an oak tree, or at least what looked like an oak tree (not great with identifying trees), but it was very old tree, leaves were oval, it looked very knotty almost like pipes wrapped around eachother. Definantly looked like a hardwood.

Smelled very mushroomy, almost bitter. Texture was somewhat solid, yet easily breakable, and still squishy.. Seems like it's drying out a bit. It was about a foot across, and three shelves - so about 6-8inches high.

I think it looks like a chicken of the woods, can anyone tell me distinguishing factors? i can't find my books... I just moved.

Also, this is somewhat directed to toxicman (anyone else can answer though) - are there toxic lookalikes for this species? I feel pretty confident, once I check the spores, and if they are white, I will feel even better.

But I want to taste this, and don't want to jeapordise myself.

thanks =)

--------------------Raadt

-- The information I provide is only information from readings, growing of gourmet mushrooms, and second hand stories--

Here are the characteristics you need to verify to be certain you have Laetiporus sulphureus (or a close relative):

Sehlflike, stalkless, mushroom found in overlapping clusters on trees, stumps, or logs.

Upper surface smooth to suedelike, bright orange.

Undersurface bright yellow or white with tiny pores.

That's it! Spore print color is not required for this species.

There is a lookalike - if the pores are white (or nearly white) then you've found Laetiporus persicinus, which is equally edible. It also typically has a relatively somewhat pinkish cap compared to L. sulphureus.

Please note that these species cause more "allergic" reactions than most mushrooms. So, the first time you eat it, eat just a tiny piece and wait overnight before you eat more. That way, if you get sick, you won't get as sick. For the same reason, these two species are not recommended for serving to groups of people - you'd be making the odds much better that somebody might get sick.